How many years an RN before MSN?

[SarahLovesNovember, BSN, RN]

On average, for those of you ANP's on this board, how many years were you an RN before applying to a Master's degree program?

Thank you!

[Joan Z]

Ten years.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

14 years

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

4 years as RN. Did a 4-year preceptorship with OB-GYN and became OB-GYN NP (8 years post RN). Then, 8 years later, MSN and post-Masters FNP.

[butch228]

3 years ..working on a medical floor.

[tryingtohaveitall]

18 years

[Christen, ANP]

I started school in August - I waited about 3 years before going back. I've worked in critical care for as long as I've been a nurse and always knew that I wanted to go back for my Masters before I was 30 cause I wanted to have it done before I have kids. I think I'm going to meet my goal.

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

14 years for me

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

About 1 year in ICU before I went back to start my first postgrad diploma in Oz (critical care). Then after that I worked 9 years before going back and finishing my masters. After another 2 years, I'm now doing an MSN in ACNP.

[SarahLovesNovember, BSN, RN]

Out of curiousity, what do you all think about people who work in the ICU for 1-2 years and then go for their ACNP? Do you think there is enough foundation gained with only a couple of years?

Thank you!

[tryingtohaveitall]

Honestly, I couldn't imagine feeling confident enough. I'm still a bit freaked out at the thought of being the person on call responsible for PICU patients and I'll have 22 years PICU/peds transport experience when I graduate! That doesn't mean I don't think someone could do it, I just wouldn't have felt confident enough.

[SarahLovesNovember, BSN, RN]

Thank you tryingtohaveitall. I guess jumping the gun sounds like a good idea in thought but in reality may not be the wisest decision.